Planning

SEPA is identified as a key agency under the Planning etc
(Scotland) Act 2006 and is proactively
assisting delivery of the Scottish Government's commitment to
provide a more effective and efficient planning system. We provide
formal environmental advice in relation to development plans and on wide range of
development proposals across Scotland.

We enable good development and protect Scotland’s environment
through the planning system by focusing on the consultations where
we can add most value. Engagement with planning authorities from
the outset ensures we can support development plan proposals and aid the
implementation of a genuinely plan-led land use planning system. We
also welcome early engagement on larger developments to help you
identify opportunities, constraints and solutions.

We are working to expand this area of our website and will
update it as more guidance and advice becomes available. If you are
unable to find the advice you need then please contact your
local SEPA planning team (61k).

How and when to consult SEPA

We have a number of guidance notes which give detailed
information on how to consult us and what types of development to
consult us on:

Planning guidance
notes

We have a number of guidance notes in relation to our role and
responsibilities in the planning process. We are making as many of
the guidance documents below available online as quickly as
possible. Those coloured blue are links and available online now.
In an effort to be open and transparent about our role in the
planning process, we have made a number of our internal procedural guidance notes
available. We have also produced a directory,
in partnership with other Agencies, on sources of information we
hold that will help embed climate change issues into planning
decisions.